L'Antipode

As soon as the weather gets better, this barge becomes many Parisians' favourite spot in Paris. Moored during most of the year in Bassin de la Villette, the barge sits in a trendy neighborhood adored by locals. Up the boarding plank, choose your table and observe the buzz. On sunny days, you'll see people gathering along the canal for picknicks, a game of petanque, hanging out in a bar or just strolling around. The atmosphere is super relaxed, and even more so on board of a barge floating on the Canal de l'Ourcq.

In 2002, the theater group Abricadabra transformed this boat into a floating café with (if the weather allows) a sun-drenched deck and a small, but intimate concert hall below where all kind of events take place. During the day, children are entertained by screenings, mimes, songs, comedies, shadow puppets. In the evening, a more adult audience attends concerts, improvisation nights, theatre sketches, DJ sessions... Seating on the deck in warm months is covered from the rain but open on the sides to the outdoors; in colder months, plastic walls keep diners cozy.

Many people come here to have a drink with friends, while enjoying the chilled-oud, bohemian vibe on the boat. There's a decent selection of beers, among which several from the tap. (Seriously, a menu with around 20 different beers is quite impressive for Paris.) But actually, there's a large choice of any kind of beverage, no matter whether looking at beer, soda, fruit juice, tea, cocktails or wine. You won't find any brands, though; the products are all artisanal and fair trade. Beers are served in ecocups. You pay a one euro deposit for the cup that you can keep if you wish, otherwise you can turn it in at the end and get your euro back.

Feeling hungry? There's a modest menu with healthy snacks such as tostadas, salads and soup. The meals are simple, but of great quality. And there's more good news: it's really not expensive. For 10 euro you will have eaten your fill. And the staff is super friendly too.

Beware that in Summer during Paris Plage, when all boats have to leave Bassin the la Villette, L'Antipode moves to Pantin (Place de la Pointe).

Practical information

• Open from noon until 2am, but can vary in function of the organised events.
• Address: in front of number 55, quai de la Seine • Paris 19ème (75019)
• There's wifi, but it doesn't always work

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